In vivo bioprinting for computer- and robotic-assisted medical intervention: preliminary study in mice

Biofabrication. 2010 Mar;2(1):014101. doi: 10.1088/1758-5082/2/1/014101. Epub 2010 Mar 10.

Abstract

We present the first attempt to apply bioprinting technologies in the perspective of computer-assisted medical interventions. A workstation dedicated to high-throughput biological laser printing has been designed. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was printed in the mouse calvaria defect model in vivo. Critical size bone defects were performed in OF-1 male mice calvaria with a 4 mm diameter trephine. Prior to laser printing experiments, the absence of inflammation due to laser irradiation onto mice dura mater was shown by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Procedures for in vivo bioprinting and results obtained using decalcified sections and x-ray microtomography are discussed. Although heterogeneous, these preliminary results demonstrate that in vivo bioprinting is possible. Bioprinting may prove to be helpful in the future for medical robotics and computer-assisted medical interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Bone Substitutes / therapeutic use
  • Brain / radiation effects
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Durapatite / therapeutic use
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Robotics / methods*
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull / injuries
  • Skull Fractures / therapy*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • X-Ray Microtomography

Substances

  • Bone Substitutes
  • Durapatite